Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Tunes on Tuesday is a fun new project. Each week I'll try to bring you five videos or audio files, each one focusing on a song, group or collaboration that just might pique your interest! If you have someone for possible spotlight then shoot me a private e-mail and we'll give it a listen. Hope you enjoy Tunes on Tuesday!

NOTE: All videos may be expanded to full screen. Hit play then click on the icon at lower right.

NEWER RELEASE

Released in the end of 2013, It Won't Be Long Now is a long awaited solo album from Linda Thompson. The title song was written by her son, singer/songwriter Teddy Thompson, features Tony Trischka on banjo, ex-husband Richard on guitar and background vocals by Teddy and also by Amy Helm, daughter of Levon. Listening to the song is like a visit from an old friend that I hadn't seen in a long time. Great to hear from her again!

NEW ARTIST / REGIONAL / UP & COMER

The four members of Lake Street Dive met a dozen years ago or so, when they were students at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston and ever since they've been winning over new fans wherever they play. Rachel Price's voice is amazing and in this silly promo for an EP release some years ago, the band show off some really incredible talent as they cover Micheal Jackson's I Want You Back.

CLASSIC

REM released Shiny Happy People back in 1991 on their Out of Time LP. Joining them on this ultra-upbeat song is Kate Pierson from the B-52's. It hit Billboard's Top Ten list and was considered by many to be the song of the summer.

And how can you not love their rendition of Shiny Happy Monsters that they did with the Muppets back in 1999. (song runs to 3:48 then wanders into another unrelated sketch)

WORLD MUSIC

Many folks had not heard of Miriam Makeba until discovering her in Paul Simon's Graceland project, but in South Africa she was a shining star. Needing to leave the country during the anti-Apartheid era, she continued to sing about the struggles in her homeland. “Under African Skies” is a good example of her work and showcases her beautifully strong voice. Miriam passed away in 2008.

INTERESTING COLLABORATION OR COVER

The Civil Wars perform their really interesting take on Michael Jackson's Billie Jean. The Grammy Award and Americana Music Association award winning duo of John Paul White and the very expressive Joy Williams released this song on their VH1 Unplugged EP in November of 2012. (enlarge video by hitting play and then the lower right corner)

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